In Honor of Her Extraordinary Works of Art and Contributions to Advancing the Status of Women Artists
It is an honor and pleasure to present this interview with Nanette Fluhr, nanettefluhr.com, the recipient of the Manhattan Arts International “Outstanding Woman Artist Achievement Award” for her extraordinary works of art and contributions to advancing the status of women artists.
Nanette is an active member of several organizations including American Women Artists where she is an Associate with Distinction and winner of their Distinguished Achievement Award for Portraiture and The Cecilia Beaux Forum (A Committee of the Portrait Society of America Devoted to Women in the Arts). She has participated in many other professional activities that advance the status of women artists. She was invited to represent the United States for International Women’s Day at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona.
When Nanette submitted her artwork to “HerStory” she supplied this statement: “My life’s endeavor is to create beautiful and meaningful art. Representational portraiture is my principal avenue in that pursuit. It is the challenge of capturing a faithful likeness of my sitter, which I firmly believe must include the articulation of their persona, that I find most compelling. Each painting is an opportunity to discover the truth of an individual’s essence; to capture their soul, not just their likeness. I draw my inspiration from Masters such as Rembrandt and Le Brun.
The Honorable Margaret Garvey Justice, Supreme Court of Rockland County (retired), oil on linen, 37″ x 27″. Collection of Rockland County Courthouse, New City, New York. She is the first female Rockland County Family Court Judge.
About Nanette Fluhr ~ A Brief Introduction
Nanette Fluhr is known for her museum quality portraits and other fine art. She has been included in a video produced at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, NY, highlighting her Master Copies.
She lives in Matawan, New Jersey, and her paintings reside in many public and private collections worldwide.
She has received numerous accolades during her art career that spans more than 20 years. She is a recipient of awards from such prominent art institutions as the Art Renewal Center, The Artist’s Magazine, the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, the Portrait Society of America, and the School of Visual Arts.
Nanette has exhibited her art in such venues as the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona, the Butler Institute of American Art, in OH, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, in WI, and many others. In NYC, NY she has been in exhibitions held at the National Arts Club and the Salmagundi Club.
Nanette received a Manhattan Arts International Special Recognition Art Award in the “HerStory” 2022 which was a one-year membership as an Artist Showcase Artist Member.
Interview With Nanette Fluhr
RP: What reaction would you like viewers of your art to have?
NF: I would like my viewers to feel a connection with my artwork. I hope it evokes emotion and curiosity, capturing the essence of the people I paint through my use of color, composition and subtle nuances of expression. I feel a great reverence and intimacy with my subjects and hope the viewer feels that. I paint through a lens of compassion and curiosity and aim to celebrate and unite people with my art hoping it resonates and embraces them.
RP: You have received many well-deserved accolades and awards. What has been the most important achievement in your art career and why?
NF: The most important achievement in my career is having been chosen as the winner of the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2022. This was especially meaningful as my painting, “A Lotus Grows in the Mud” was born out of my personal journey. It has been selected along with 10 of my other works to be part of the Lunar Codex, a collection of art being launched to the moon. I was featured on TV for Women’s History Month for this achievement!
Rabbi Barton Shallat, oil on linen 40″ x 30″. Collection of Temple Beth El, Huntington, New York,
RP: As an active member of women’s arts organizations, what do you consider to be their most important contribution?
NF: I consider the most important contribution of women’s arts organizations to be that they bring women artists to the attention of the art world. They do this by increasing the number of professional opportunities for women in the arts through museum shows and juried competitions. This leads to greater inclusion and helps women artists overcome barriers by creating opportunities equivalent to those of men. Women’s arts organizations support women artists, therefore telling a unique story highlighting the female perspective.
RP: What advice can you offer anyone interested in taking action to increase gender equality in the art world?
NF: Advice I would offer anyone interested in actively increasing gender equality in the art world is to become a member of and support women’s arts organizations. Frequent galleries and museums that support women artists, ask the art institutions you visit to display and acquire more art created by women. Share about female artists that inspire you. Many don’t realize the extent of inequality and we must bring awareness to overcome obstacles from the past to achieve a more balanced coexistence.
“Manu”, oil, 30″ x 24″. This painting was selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2023 juried exhibition.
RP: What do you wish for women artists’ equality in the future?
NF: My wish for women artists’ equality in the future is that opportunities are expanded for them. This would include greater inclusion in museums and exhibitions along with receiving the same pay as their male counterparts. Steps are still needed to level the playing field. I would like stellar female artists included because of their talent, not just because they are women. We are getting closer to this realization, but there is still much work to be done.
RP: What advice would you like to offer fellow women artists?
NF: My advice to offer fellow women artists is to know your art and what you do is valuable. Share your unique abilities and talents with the world and realize you are representing all women when you do. I would encourage them to lend support to women’s art organizations so we live in a gender equal world. Be a leader and an advocate for art and equality. Speak your truth and see what you can do to make a difference.
RP: Why did you submit your art to “HerStory”?
NF: I submitted my art to “HerStory” as I am very impressed with you, Renee, and the work the work you do through Manhattan Arts International. Your promotion of artists is detailed, thoughtful and inspirational. As an artist, gaining a wider audience and having a respected advocate of the arts promoting your work is invaluable. This is a very special place to exhibit and I wanted to be part of supporting the important work of this community, which promotes artistic excellence.
RP: Thank you Nanette! 🙂
Thank you Renee for this incredible honor! A pleasure to have this interview with you!